Nick Nelson’s knack for keeping passes out of receivers’ hands has the Rainbow Warriors sophomore near the top of the national rankings through the season’s first three weeks.

Nelson enters Saturday’s game at No. 22 Wisconsin tied atop the Mountain West Conference and tied for third in the FBS with seven passes defended.

He broke up three passes in the season opener against Colorado while posting a career-high 11 tackles, 10 solo, while helping to contain prolific Buffaloes receiver Nelson Spruce. He knocked away three more passes against Ohio State and added another in Saturday’s win over UC Davis to surpass his total of last season.

Nelson, who also handled punt return duties for the past two games, was credited with forcing a fumble with UC Davis facing fourth-and-1 in the third quarter to help the Rainbow Warriors pull away from the Aggies.

Nelson moved into the starting lineup midway through his freshman season and has broken up 13 passes in his 11 career starts.

>> Class: Sophomore

>> Intended Major: Architecture

>> Hometown: Forestville, Md.

>> High School: Suitland H.S.

>> Quick Fact: Broke up three passes against Wyoming last season in his first career start.